Stipulated: the perfect travel time for a three-day weekend getaway is four hours. More, and you waste your vacation. Less, and you’re still near home. Hence our series, The 4hr. Rule, dedicated to revealing the best destinations that are far away, yet still close to home.
Today: the ultimate California glamp/lighthouse. Head south.
THE STAY
When is a glamp not a glamp but rather a lighthouse? When it’s Pigeon Point, which overlooks the Pacific 50 miles south of S.F. Rent out an entire house, and you’ve got beds for 15 for around $30 a head. Did we mention there’s a hot tub with Pacific views?
THE MEAL
Head down to Pescadero for a picnic supplies pit stop at Arcangeli. It’s worth the drive from S.F. just for the deservedly famous garlic and artichoke breads; it’s also worth stocking up on the bruschetta toppers. Delicious, all around.
THE ACTIVITY
Do your kids love animals? How do elephant seals sunning themselves along the coast at Ana Nuevo State Reserve sound? The park is a home to a colony of the mammoth, fascinating sea creatures, as well their warmer/fuzzier cousin, the otter. Young people tend to be extremely excited about both. As do adults of good sense.
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